FARRON HANDS PETITION TO DOWNING STREET IN BID TO SAVE AMBLESIDE CAMPUS

South Lakes MP Tim Farron and University of Cumbria SU president Emma Green will be handing in a 5,500-strong petition to 10 Downing Street against the closure of Ambleside's university campus.

Speaking before the handover, which comes just 48 hours before a crucial university board meeting, Tim said, "The response to our petition from local people in support of saving the Ambleside campus has been brilliant.

"The Government must take their fair share of the blame for the situation the University of Cumbria has found itself in - after all it was HEFCE that set the university up without vital funding for the maintenance of the estate it took over from UCLAN. I hope the Government take notice of our petition and join in our fight to stop the mothballing of the campus.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has signed the petition and committed to join with us to fight to keep the campus open."